The final group stage games of Europe’s second-tier competitions took centre stage on Thursday night, and Nigerian players were in the mix of it all.
This is Soccernet’s compilation of some of these players and their performances from yesterday.
Henry Onyekuru
The Nigerian forward was in action for Olympiacos in their 1-0 loss to Antwerp in the Europa League. The former Everton man played for 60 minutes before he was hauled off for Marios Vrousai.
Onyekuru had a poor game as he was unable to record a shot on goal. He also didn’t create any big chance.
Nevertheless, the result didn’t have any major consequences for Olympiacos as they still booked a spot in the knockout stages, albeit a second-place finish.
Victor Moses
The former Chelsea man was in action for Spartak Moscow in their crucial Europa League tie away to Legia Warsaw. He played all 90 minutes to ensure that his Russian side ran out with a 1-0 win.
He had an average game, attacking from the wings, with a poor 44 per cent pass accuracy. But he made two interceptions.
The result ensured that Spartak Moscow finished at the summit of Group C with ten points.
Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey
It was an unlucky night for young Calvin Bassey after he scored an own goal in Rangers 1-1 draw at Lyon.
The 21-year-old scored in his own net just four minutes after the break to draw Lyon level after teammate Scott Wright had put the Gers in front in the first half.
He made three clearances and had an impressive 98 per cent pass accuracy.
Meanwhile, Joe Aribo came in 17 minutes from time, but he could not help his side to a win.
The draw ensured that Rangers finished in second place, eight points behind Lyon.
Wilfred Ndidi
The sad tales for Leicester continued in the Europa League, and at the centre of it was Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. The Nigeria international saw all 90 minutes of action as the Foxes fell to a 3-2 defeat to Napoli.
Goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Johnny Evans only served as consolation after Elif Elmas’ second-half clincher.
The loss condemned Leicester City to third place in the group, which means they will continue their adventure in the Conference League.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman were not part of the matchday squad.
Paul Onuachu
The Super Eagles striker also suffered heartbreak on Thursday night after his side was knocked out from continental football.
Genk suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Austrian side Rapid Vien. The lanky hitman was subbed on at halftime for Uche Agbo, but he failed to influence the game as his two shots on target were saved by Paul Gartler in goal for the away side.
Uche Agbo, Ezekiel Henty, and Rabiu Ibrahim
It was sad tales for the Nigeria trio as Slovan Bratislava were knocked out of the Europa Conference League after suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Copenhagen.
Uche Agbo and Ezekiel Henty started the games, but Henty came off in the 70th minute, the same time Rabiu Ibrahim was introduced.
However, they were unable to cancel goals from Jona Wind and Rasmus Hojlund. Slovan Bratislava finished third, three points away from second place.
Francis Uzoho and Iyayi Atiemwen.
The Nigerian players were in action for Omonia as they hosted Kairat Almaty.
Nigeria’s number two goalie gave a five-star performance, saving a first-half penalty from Joao Paulo to ensure that his side stayed in the game.
Atiemwen was brought on as a second-half sub for Eric Bautheac, and he saw 33 minutes of action.
However, Omonia did not advance, as they finished third in Group H.
